“…there is no difference between practice and art. The practice IS the art.” — Dani Shapiro
COLORS! My new large canvas, some preliminary marks…
I’ve started painting bigger. Recently my studio mate Elizabeth gave me a large piece of canvas, which I tacked to the wall like Bonnard. I made my first marks; it was exciting!
work-in-progress near the window…and a nice spot to have tea
I’m having a lot of fun exploring a different way of putting paint down. A lot of things are different when the scale is bigger, and I have a lot to learn. My teacher Frank used to say, “Painting itself is the best teacher.” And that feels true. I am learning so much. Like how to be less controlling and to allow the paintings take their time, to slowly evolve at their own pace. It’s so satisfying to get a lot of layers of paint down on the canvas. I’ve also learned to be more patient and comfortable with paintings when they are in their awkward, unresolved stages.
I don’t always know what’s going to happen, and I don’t need to know.
I just need to show up.
Here are some thoughts I scribbled down, from my diary two weeks ago:
Why do I want to make big paintings?
Why do I want to make narrative paintings?
Why do I want to explore the nature of oil paint in a certain way?
(well…why not?)
And also…does it matter?
“Dragon, Woman, Muse” oil on canvas (work in progress) 30x48 inches
If someone doesn’t like or approve of my paintings or my direction, does that matter?
NO.
What matters is that I am authentic to myself and obedient to my Muse.
Does envy have a place in my life? In my studio practice?
NO.
Only Gratitude.
